Description
This Chicken Caprese recipe features tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Topped with fresh slices of mozzarella, ripe Roma tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. A delightful dish inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, perfect for a quick, fresh, and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 thin-cut chicken breasts
For the Tomato Basil Topping
- 2 Roma tomatoes (cut into thick slices)
- 3 Tablespoons fresh basil (cut in thin strips)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 4 ounces thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
- Balsamic glaze (optional for garnish)
- Sliced basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl or zip-top bag. Add the chicken breasts, coating them evenly with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken for Grilling: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before grilling to allow it to come closer to room temperature while you heat the grill.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium heat and allow it to fully preheat; this ensures even cooking and perfect grill marks.
- Make the Tomato Basil Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced Roma tomatoes, fresh basil strips, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Gently toss the ingredients to combine, then let the mixture sit while the chicken cooks to develop the flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Assemble the Caprese Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a serving plate. Top each breast with thick slices of fresh mozzarella followed by 1-2 slices of tomato from the prepared mixture. Sprinkle more fresh basil slices on top and drizzle with balsamic glaze if using.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
Notes
- Marinating for longer (up to 24 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or on a stovetop skillet over medium heat.
- Balsamic glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweet tangy finish.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
